THE WALL OF FACES

On July 3, 1971, two Cobra AH-1G helicopters from A Battery, 4th Battalion, 77th Field Artillery (Aerial Rocket), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) were involved in a night-time mid-air collision southwest of Camp Eagle, Thua Thien Province (I Corps), RVN, with the loss of both crews and aircraft. The following day, a patrol comprising elements of A Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, was sent to the crash site. While enroute, infantryman SP4 Frederick B. “Ollie” Summerville triggered an enemy booby-trap, losing his foot in the blast. He was medically evacuated to a U.S. military hospital where he died on July 6, 1971. The battalion chaplain returned to Firebase Tomahawk on the 6th and told members of A Company that Summerville just shut down and died. It was reported that he had once stated to his companions that he was not going home missing a limb. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vhpa.org, and info provided by Ed Dobranich and Ted Koepke (October 2016)]

Dear SP4 Frederick Bru Summerville, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

I went to 'The Wall' finally in 1996 to touch Fred's name and remember him as I knew him. When I returned to my hotel I wrote this poem:

A Visit to the Wall

Hello, my friend,

It's been a long long time.

I meant to come here years ago,

But couldn't seem to make the climb.

The fit of sadness and fury I felt

When they took you from that place,

Will fade with time and I will be with you,

Standing face to face.

Time passes, yet I can't let go,

No longer can I afford to waste.

So far past my prime now,

Sweet freedom I must taste.

I miss you more than I can say,

The tears I can not slow.

Sadness for the injustice and the guilt,

That now I dare not show.

The things I need to say to you,

I know you hear them now.

I can not seem to hide my shame,

Here in the darkness I avow.

As I touch this stone that bears your name,

My pain flows slowly out.

Your voice I hear, though very low,

Almost seems a shout.

“You must not feel so helpless,

I have gone and found my peace.

As you stand right here before me,

You MUST allow release.”

“You can not change the things that pass,

You should not even dare.

Go back to those that stayed behind,

And show them that you care.”

“Keep our memory alive,

And help the ones in need.

Because they are our brothers,

For whom we did the deeds.”

Bob Aldrich

November 11, 1996

I miss you Freddy

Ollie

That is the nickname that we called you, You miss you greatly the 1st 501st alpha company 2nd platoon of the 101st, we will see you one day.

Photo courtesy of Bob Hess.